Page 60 of Cadaver Lab: Mind Over Murder

“Wait, Letisha?” Natalie jumped in before the other woman disconnected the call.

“Yes?”

“Do you think you can help?”

“I don’t know, Natalie. But I’m going to try.”

Chapter Thirty

Just a few years ago, Natalie had thought that her suddenly acquiring the ability to see ghosts had turned her life upside down.

Now that she couldn’t see them anymore, she felt more upside down than ever.

Life, on the surface, was still the same.

The shop still had that familiar scent of books, fireplace, lavender and sage—the last two thanks to the sachets and sage wands sold in the Wicca section.

Her apartment’s kitchen still smelled of fresh brewed coffee, thanks to Liam getting out of bed before her to make it.

But it all felt… less somehow.

Less vibrant. Dull. Like a pall had settled over her entire life, muting everything now that seeing the ghosts were no longer a part of it.

There was one thing that had increased with the discovery. Her anxiety.

It had only been about twelve hours since she’d made the realization she’d gone ghost blind, and she’d wondered nearly every second of that time since if she was alone.

Was there a ghost, or more than one, in the room with her? She wouldn’t know. Not anymore.

That suspicion caused a level of paranoia to build inside her that she’d never experienced before.

She glanced across the narrow kitchen table at Liam. “Is this how you feel all the time?”

Liam paused with the coffee mug halfway to his mouth. “Is what how I feel all the time?”

It was early. The sun had barely risen and the autumn morning outside her window was a lifeless gray—just like her mood.

They were both on their first cup of coffee for the day. Liam was better in the morning than she was, even on a good day. But today, after a restless, mostly sleepless night, she was more out of sorts than usual.

He’d made the coffee this morning. He’d poured hers for her too. It was probably safer for both of them that she hadn’t wielded a pot of scorching contents in her current state of mind.

“Paranoid,” she said for lack of a better word in answer to his question.

“Paranoid over what?” He frowned.

“That there could be, that there probably are, ghosts. Like everywhere.” She glanced over one shoulder, not that she’d see them, even if there were a mob of ghosts standing right behind her.

He raised a brow, looking surprised. “You don’t like it that you can’t see them. Maybe now you’ll be a bit more understanding of my position.”

“You’re right. I know. I was horrible to you when I could…still...” Her voice broke and she couldn’t finish the sentence.

Tears threatened, then won, spilling over to stream down her cheeks. This was what it had been like ever since she’d realized her ability was gone last night.

“Jeezus, Nat. Stop. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have joked with you.”

“It’s not your fault.” Her voice cracked on a sob in spite of the false bravado she’d tried for.

Liam’s gaze remained on her. “I’m going to text Harper and have her send Gabe and Millie over.”